HYMN XXI.
1. To him the Lord of all, the Lord of wealth, of light; him who is Lord for
ever, Lord of men and tilth,
Him who is Lord of horses, Lord of kine,of floods, to Indra, to the Holy bring
sweet Soma juice.
2 To him the potent One, who conquers and breaks down, the Victor never
vanquished who disposes all,
The migbty-voiced, the rider, unassailable, to Indra everconquering speak your
reverent prayer.
3 Still Victor, loved by mortals, ruler over men, o'erthrower, warrior, he hath
waxen as he would;
Host-gatherer, triumphant, honoured mid the folk. Indra's heroic deeds will I
tell forth to all.
4 The strong who never yields, who slew the furious fiend, the deep, the vast,
of wisdom unattainable;
Who speeds the good, the breaker-down, the firm, the vast,-Indra whose rites
bring joy hath made the light of Dawn.
5 By sacrifice the yearning sages sending forth their songs found furtherance
from him who speeds the flood.
In Indra seeking help with worship and with hymn, they drew him to themselves
and won them kine and wealth.
6 Indra, bestow on us the best of treasures, the spirit of ability and fortune;
Increase of riches, safety of our bodies, charm of sweet speech, and days of
pleasant weather.
HYMN XXII. Indra.
I. At the Trikadrukas the Great and Strong hath drunk drink blent with meal.
With Visnu hath he quaffed the poured out Soma juice, all that he would.
That hath so heightened him the Great, the Wide, to do his mighty work.
So may the God attain the God, true Indu Indra who is true.
2 So he resplendent in the battle overcame Krivi by might. He with his majesty
hath filled the earth and heaven, and waxen strong.
One share of the libation hath he swallowed down: one share he left.
So may the God attend the God, true Indu Indra who is true.
3 Brought forth together with wisdom and mighty power thou grewest great; with
hero deeds subduing the malevolent, most swift in act;
Giving prosperity, and lovely wealth to him who praiseth thee. So may the God
attend the God, true Indu Indra who is true.
4 This, Indra, was thy hero deed, Dancer, thy first and ancient work, worthy to
be told forth in heaven,
What time thou sentest down life with a God's own power, freeing the floods.
All that is godless may he conquer with his might, and, Lord of Hundred Powers,
find for us strength and food.
HYMN XXIII. Brahmanaspati.
1. WE call thee, Lord and Leader of the heavenly hosts, the wise among the wise,
the famousest of all,
The King supreme of prayers, O Brahmanaspati: hear us with help; sit down in
place of sacrifice.
2 Brhaspati, God immortal! verily the Gods have gained from thee, the wise, a
share in holy rites.
As with great light the Sun brings forth the rays of morn, so thou alone art
Father of all sacred prayer.
3 When thou hast chased away revilers and the gloom, thou mountest the refulgent
car of sacrifice;
The awful car, Brhaspati, that quells the foe, slays demons, cleaves the stall
of kine, and finds the light.
4 Thou leadest with good guidance and preservest men; distress o'ertakes not him
who offers gifts to thee.
Him who hates prayer thou punishest, Brhaspati, quelling his wrath: herein is
thy great mightiness.
5 No sorrow, no distress from any side, no foes, no creatures double-tongued
have overcome the man,-
Thou drivest all seductive fiends away from him whom, careful guard, thou
keepest Brahmanaspati.
6 Thou art our keeper, wise, preparer of our paths: we, for thy service, sing to
thee with hymns of praise.
Brhaspati, whoever lays a snare for us, him may his evil fate, precipitate,
destroy.
7 Him, too, who threatens us without offence of ours, the evilminded, arrogant,
rapacious man,-
Him turn thou from our path away, Brhaspati: give us fair access to this banquet
of the Gods.
8 Thee as protector of our bodies we invoke, thee, saviour, as the comforter who
loveth us.
Strike, O Brhaspati, the Gods' revilers down, and let not the unrighteous come
to highest bliss.
9 Through thee, kind -prosperer, O Brahmanaspati, may we obtain the wealth of
Men which all desire:
And all our enemies, who near or far away prevail against us, crush, and leave
them destitute.
10 With thee as our own rich and liberal ally may we, Brhaspati, gain highest
power of life.
Let not the guileful wicked man be lord of us:-still may we prosper, singing
goodly hymns of praise.
11 Strong, never yielding, hastening to the battle-cry, consumer of the foe,
victorious in the strife,
Thou art sin's true avenger, Brahmanaspati, who tamest e'en the fierce, the
wildly passionate.
12 Whoso with mind ungodly seeks to do us harm, who, deeming him a man of might
mid lords, would slay,-
Let not his deadly blow reach us, Brhaspati; may we humiliate the strong
ill-doer's wrath.
13 The mover mid the spoil, the winner of all wealth, to be invoked in fight and
reverently adored,
Brhaspati hath overthrown like cars of war all wicked enemies who fain would
injure us.
14 Burn up the demons with thy fiercest flaming brand, those who have scorned
thee in thy manifested might.
Show forth that power that shall deserve the hymn of praise: destroy the evil
speakers, O Brhaspati.
15 Brhaspati, that which the foe deserves not which shines among the folk
effectual, splendid,
That, Son of Law I which is with might refulgent-that treasure wonderful bestow
thou on us.
16 Give us not up to those who, foes in ambuscade, are greedy for the wealth of
him who sits at ease,
Who cherish in their heart abandonment of Gods. Brhaspati, no further rest shall
they obtain.
17 For Tvastar, he who knows each sacred song, brought thee to life, preeminent
o'er all the things that be.
Guilt-scourger, guilt-avenger is Brhaspati, who slays the spoiler and upholds
the mighty Law.
18 The mountain, for thy glory, cleft itself apart when, Angiras! thou openedst
the stall of kine.
Thoul O Brhaspati, with Indra for ally didst hurl down water-floods which gloom
had compa-sed round.
19 O Brahmanaspati, be thou controller of this our hymn and prosper thou our
children.
All that the Gods regard with love is blessed. Loud may we speak, with heroes,
in assembly.
HYMN XXIV. Brahmanaspati.
1. BE pleased with this our offering, thou who art the Lord; we will adore thee
with this new and mighty song.
As this thy friend, our liberal patron, praises thee, do thou, Brhaspati, fulfil
our hearts' desire.
2 He who with might bowed down the things that should be bowed, and in his fury
rent the holds of Sambara:
Who overthrew what shook not, Brahmapaspati,-he made his way within the mountain
stored with wealth.
3 That was a great deed for the Godliest of the Gods: strong things were
loosened and the firmly fixed gave way.
He drave the kine forth and cleft Vala through by prayer, dispelled the darkness
and displayed the light of heaven.
4 The well with mouth of stone that poured a flood of meath, which Brahmapaspati
hath opened with his might-
All they who see the light have drunk their fill thereat: together they have
made the watery fount flow forth.
5 Ancient will be those creatures, whatsoe'er they be; with moons, with autumns,
doors unclose themselves to you.
Effortless they pass on to perfect this and that, appointed works which
Brahmanaspati ordained.
6 They who with much endeavour searching round obtained the Panis' noblest
treasure hidden in the cave,-
Those sages, having marked the falsehoods, turned them back whence they had
come, and sought again to enter in.
7 The pious ones when they had seen the falsehoods turned them back, the sages
stood again upon the lofty ways.
Cast down with both their arms upon the rock they left the kindled fire, and
said, No enemy is he.
8 With his swift bow, strung truly, Brahmanaspati reaches the mark whate'er it
be that he desires.
Excellent are the arrows wherewithal he shoots, keen-eyed to look on men and
springing from his ear.
9 He brings together and he parts, the great High Priest; extolled is he, in
battle Brahmapaspati.
When, gracious, for the hymn he brings forth food and wealth, the glowing Sun
untroubled sends forth fervent heat.
10 First and preeminent, excelling all besides are the kind gifts of liberal
Brhaspati.
These are the boons of him the Strong who should be loved, whereby both classes
and the people have delight.
11 Thou who in every way supreme in earthly power, rejoicing, by thy mighty
strength hast waxen great,-
He is the God spread forth in breadth against the Gods: he, Brahmanaspati,
encompasseth this All.
12 From you, twain Maghavans, all truth proceedeth: even the waters break not
your commandment.
Come to us, Brahmanaspati and Indra, to our oblation Iiie yoked steeds to
fodder.
13 The sacrificial flames most swiftly hear the call: the priest of the assembly
gaineth wealth for hymns.
Hating the stern, remitting at his will the debt, strong in the shock of fight
is Brahmanaspati.
14 The wrath of Brahmanaspati according to his will had full effect when he
would do a mighty deed.
The kine he drave forth and distributed to heaven, even as a copious flood with
strength flows sundry ways.
15 O Brahmanaspati, may we be evermore masters of wealth well-guided, full of
vital strength.
Heroes on heroes send abundantly to us, when thou omnipotent through prayer
seekest my call.
16 O Brahmanaspati, be thou controller of this our hymn, and prosper thou our
children.
All that the Gods regard with love is blessed. Loud may we speak, with heroes,
in assembly.
HYMN XXV. Brahmanaspati.
1. HE lighting up the flame shall conquer enemies: strong shall he be who offers
prayer and brings his gift.
He with his seed spreads forth beyond another's seed, whomever Brahmanaspati
takes for his friend.
2 With heroes he shall overcome his hero foes, and spread his wealth by kine
wise by himself is be.
His children and his children's children
grow in strength, whomever Brahmanaspati takes for his friend.
3 He, mighty like a raving river's billowy flood, as a bull conquers oxen,
overcomes with strength.
Like Agni's blazing rush he may not be restrained, whomever Brahmanaspati takes
for his friend.
4 For him the floods of heaven flow never failing down: first with the heroes he
goes forth to war for kine.
He slays in unabated vigour with great might, whomever Brahmanaspati takes for
his friend.
5 All roaring rivers pour their waters down for him, and many a flawless shelter
hath been granted him.
Blest with the happiness of Gods he prospers well, whomever Brahmanaspati takes
for his friend.
HYMN XXVI. Brahmanaspati.
1. THE righteous singer shall o'ercome his enemies, and he who serves the Gods
subdue the godless man.
The zealous man shall vanquish the invincible, the worshipper share the food of
him who worships not.
2 Worship, thou hero, chase the arrogant afar: put on auspicious courage for the
fight with foes.
Prepare oblation so that thou mayst have success. we crave the favouring help of
Brahmanaspati.
3 He with his folk, his house, his family, his sons, gains booty for himself,
and, with the heroes, wealth,believing
Who with oblation and a true heart serves Brahmanaspati the Father of the Gods.
4 Whoso hath honoured him with offerings rich in oil, him Brahmanaspati leads
forward on his way,
Saves him from sorrow, frees him from his enemy, and is his wonderful deliverer
from woe.
HYMN XXVII. Adityas.
1. THESE hymns that drop down fatness, with the ladle I ever offer tothe Kings
Adityas.
May Mitra, Aryanian, and Bhaga hear us, the mighty Varuna Daksa, and Amsa.
2 With one accord may Aryaman and Mitra and Varuna this day accept this
praise-song-
Adityas bright and pure as streams of water, free from all guile and falsehood,
blameless, perfect.
3 These Gods, Adityas, vast, profound, and faithful, with many eyes, fain to
deceive the wicked,
Looking within behold the good and evil near to the Kings is even the thing most
distant.
4 Upholding that which moves and that which moves not, Adityas, Gods, protectors
of all being,
Provident, guarding well the world of spirits, true to eternal Law, the
debt-exactors.
5 May I, Adityas, share m this your favour which, Aryaman, brings profit e'en in
danger.
Under your guidance, Varuna and Mitra, round troubles may I pass, like rugged
places.
6 Smooth is your path, O Aryaman and Mitra; excellent is it, Varuna, and
thornless.
Thereon, Adityas, send us down your blessing: grant us a shelter hard to be
demolished.
7 Mother of Kings, may Aditi transport us, by fair paths Aryaman, beyond all
hatred.
May we uninjured, girt by many heroes, win Varuna's and Mitra's high protection.
8 With their support they stay three earths, three heavens; three are their
functions in the Gods' assembly.
Mighty through Law, Adityas, is your greatness; fair is it, Aryaman, Varuna, and
Mitra.
9 Golden and splendid, pure like streams of water, they hold aloft the three
bright heavenly regions.
Ne'er do they slumber, never close their eyelids, faithful, far-ruling for the
righteous mortal.
10 Thou over all, O Varuna, art Sovran, be they Gods, Asura! or be they mortals.
Grant unto us to see a hundred autumns ours be the blest long lives of our
forefathers.
11 Neither the right nor left do I distinguish, neither the cast nor yet the
west, Adityas.
Simple and guided by your wisdom, Vasus!
may I attain the light that brings no danger.
12 He who bears gifts unto the Kings, true Leaders, he whom their everlasting
blessings prosper,
Moves with his chariot first in rank and wealthy, munificent and lauded in
assemblies.
13 Pure, faithful, very strong, with heroes round him, he dwells beside the
waters rich with pasture.
None slays, from near at hand or from a distance, him who is under the Adityas'
guidance.
14 Aditi, Mitra, Varuna, forgive us however we have erred and sinned against
you.
May I obtain the broad light free from peril: O Indra, let not during darkness
seize us.
15 For him the Twain united pour their fulness, the rain from heaven: he thrives
most highly favoured.
He goes to war mastering both the mansions: to him both portions of the world
are gracious.
16 Your guiles, ye Holy Ones, to quell oppressors, your snares spread out
against the foe, Adityas,
May I car-borne pass like a skilful horseman: uninjured may we dwell in spacious
shelter.
17 May1 not live, O Varuna, to witness my wealthy, liberal, dear friend's
destitution.
King, may1 never lack well-ordered riches. Lond may we speak, with heroes, in
assembly.
HYMN XXVIII. Varuna
1. THIS laud of the self-radiant wise Aditya shall be supreme o'er all that is
in greatness.
1 beg renown of Varuna the Mighty, the God exceeding kind to him who worships.
2, Having extolled thee. Varuna, with thoughtful care may we have high fortune
in thy service,
Sinffing thy praises like the fires at coming, day after day, of mornings rich
in cattle.
3 May we be in thy keeping, O thou Leader wide-ruling Varuna, Lord of many
heroes.
O sons of Aditi, for ever faithful, pardon us, Gods, admit us to your
friendship.
4 He made them flow, the Aditya, the Sustainer: the rivers run by Varuna's
commandment.
These feel no weariness, nor cease from flowing: swift have they flown like
birds in air around us.
5 Loose me from sin as from a bond that binds me: may we swell, Varuna, thy
spring of Order.
Let not my thread, while I weave song, be severed, nor my work's sum, before the
time, be shattered.
6 Far from me, Varuna, remove all danger accept me graciously, thou Holy Sovran.
Cast off, like cords that hold a calf, my troubles: I am not even mine eyelid's
lord without thee.
7 Strike us not, Varuna, with those dread weapons which, Asura, at thy bidding
wound the sinner.
Let us not pass away from light to exile. Scatter, that we may live, the men who
hate us
8 O mighty Varuna, now and hereafter, even as of old, will we speak forth our
worship.
For in thyself, invincible God, thy statutes ne’er to be moved are fixed as on
a mountain.
9 Move far from me what sins I have committed: let me not suffer, King, for
guilt of others.
Full many a morn remains to dawn upon us: in these, O Varuna, while we live
direct us.
10 O King, whoever, be he friend or kinsman, hath threatened me affrighted in my
slumber-
If any wolf or robber fain would harm us, therefrom, O Varuna, give thou us
protection.
11May I not live O Varuna, to witness my wealthy, liberal dear friend's
destitution.
King, may I never lack well-ordered riches. Loud may we speak, with heroes, in
assembly.
HYMN XXIX. Visvedevas.
I. UPHOLDERS of the Law, ye strong Adityas, remove my sin like her who bears in
secret.
You, Varuna, Mitra and all Gods who listen, I call to help me, I who know your
goodness.
2 Ye, Gods, are providence and ye are power: remove ye utterly all those who
hate us.
As givers of good things deal with us kindly: this day be gracious to us and
hereafter.
3 What service may we do you with our future, what service, Vasus, with our
ancient friendship?
O Aditi, and VaruVa and Mitra, Indra and Maruts, make us well and happy.
4 Ye, O ye Gods, are verily our kinsmen as such be kind to me who now implore
you.
Let not your car come slowly to our worship: of kinsmen such as you ne'er let us
weary.
5 I singly have sinned many a sin against you, and ye chastised me as a sire the
gambler.
Far be your nets, far, Gods, be mine offences: seize me not like a bird upon her
offspring.
6 Turn yourselves hitherward this day, ye Holy, that fearing in my heart I may
approach you.
Protect us, God; let not the wolf destroy us. Save us, ye Holy, from the pit and
falling.
7 May I not live, O Varuna, to witness my wealthy, liberal, dear friend's
destitution.
King, may I never lack well-ordered riches. Loud may we speak, with heroes, in
assembly.
HYMN XXX. Indra and Others.
1. THE streams unceasing flow to Indra, slayer of Ahi, Savitar, God, Law's
fulfiller,
Day after day goes on the sheen of waters. What time hath past since they were
first set flowing?
2 His Mother-for she knew-spake and proclaimed him who was about to cast his
bolt at Vrtra.
Cutting their paths according to his pleasure day after day flow to their goal
the rivers.
3 Aloft he stood above the airy region, and against Vrtra shot his deadly
missile.
Enveloped in a cloud he rushed upon him. Indra subdued the foe with sharpened
weapons.
4 As with a bolt, Brhaspati, fiercely flaming, pierce thou Vrkadvaras', the
Asura's, heroes.
Even as in time of old with might thou slewest, so slay even now our enemy, O
Indra.
5 Cast down from heaven on high thy bolt of thunder wherewith in joy thou
smitest dead the foeman.
For gain of children make us thine, O Indra, of many children's children and of
cattle.
6 Whomso ye love, his power ye aid and strengthen; ye Twain are the rich
worshipper's advancers.
Graciously favour us, Indra and Soma; give us firm standing in this time of
danger.
7 Let it not vex me, tire me, make me slothful, and never let us say, Press not
the Soma;
For him who cares for me, gives gifts, supports me, who comes with kine to me
who pour libations.
8 Sarasvati, protect us: with the Maruts allied thou boldly conquerest our
foemen,
While Indra does to death the daring chieftain of Sandikas exulting in his
prowess.
9 Him who waylays, yea, him who would destroy us,-aim at him, pierce him with
thy sharpened weapon.
Brhaspati, with arms thou slayest foemen O King, give up the spoiler to
destruction.
10 Perform, O Hero, with our valiant heroes the deeds heroic which thou hast to
finish.
Long have they been inflated with presumption: slay them, and bring us hither
their possessions.
11 I craving joy address with hymn and homage your heavenly host, the company of
Maruts,
That we may gain wealth with full store of heroes, each day more famous, and
with troops of children.
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